Homeownership

Getachew’s turning point

Leveraging Nonprofit Connections to Purchase his First Home

In 2005, Getachew moved from Ethiopia to Washington, D.C. in search of better opportunities for his family. After 10 years of moving from one apartment to another he decided it was time for a permanent place to call home. He saw how the many moves negatively affected his young children. And he understood the economic returns of owning a home.

“I needed a house. I have a family and it is difficult to jump from apartment to apartment every year in a different building.”

Getachew began his housing search with, Habitat for Humanity, an international non-profit organization that builds affordable housing, and an LEDC partner. Habitat referred Getachew to LEDC’s housing team. Our team provided housing counseling education to Getachew and assisted him with submitting an application to DC’s Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP).

As a result, Getachew was awarded $45,000 in down payment assistance for his first home. In September 2015, he purchased his first home. “To be a homeowner is good. I would 100% recommend LEDC to anyone going through the process of purchasing a house.”

“I needed a house. I have family and it is difficult to jump from apartment to apartment every year in a different building.” – Getachew